Concerns have been raised that the Fish Creek streetscape works that commenced last week will remove critical parking spaces and a turning circle around the cenotaph, and remove parking bays and install a pedestrian crossing directly outside the local hardware store, with the business owner launching a community petition seeking modifications to the current plans.
Fish Creek Hardware Manager Brad Anderson submitted the two petitions opposing the Falls Road works to South Gippsland Council, gathering over 300 signatures in three weeks from concerned customers and community members. These petitions have been accepted for consideration at the 16 July council meeting.
"These bays are heavily relied upon by our older customers and are frequently used for loading heavy items into vehicles with staff assistance," Anderson told the Prom Coast News. "Many of our customers are tradespeople requiring trailers, and we can't accommodate them all in our driveway during peak times."
Anderson argues the changes pose "a substantial risk to local business viability" and threaten both trade and local employment at the independently operated store. The hardware store manager said his business remains "committed to supporting improvements to our township" but believes it's critical to "strike a balance that preserves the accessibility and sustainability of local businesses."
An email written by a council officer that Anderson showed the Prom Coast News defended the streetscape renewal, stating it was developed "following feedback on the performance of the street network" and the need to replace aging infrastructure. The Council investigated upgrading parking around the memorial but found "sufficient space is simply not available to achieve any reasonable number of spaces in accordance with standards." Instead, they determined improving walking connections to existing parking areas on the rail yard circulation road and Foster Road would provide the greatest benefit.
A spokesperson for the Fish Creek Community Development Group told the Prom Coast News that they “held multiple meetings with both the community and Council representatives and ensured all community feedback received in relation to the streetscaping project was forwarded to and discussed with council staff. This included strong community objection to the removal of parking around the Cenotaph and the need for additional parking.” Cara Schultz
